Andy Harris on Gun Control

The Christian Coalition voter guide [is] one of the most powerful tools Christians have ever had to impact our society during elections. This simple tool has helped educate tens of millions of citizens across this nation as to where candidates for public office stand on key faith and family issues.

The CC survey summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: "Further restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms"

Opposes restricting gun purchase & possession.

Harris opposes the PVS survey question on gun restrictions

Project Vote Smart infers candidate issue stances on key topics by summarizing public speeches and public statements. Candidates are given the opportunity to respond in detail; about 16% did so in the 2010 races.

Project Vote Smart summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: 'Gun Issues: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?'

Loosen restrictions on interstate gun purchases.

Harris co-sponsored Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act

Congressional Summary:Amends the federal criminal code to:

allow licensed firearms dealers to sell or deliver any firearm (currently, rifles or shotguns) to any state if the licensee meets with the purchaser and the transaction complies with the laws of the state in which the transfer is conducted and the purchaser's state of residence; and

eliminate the requirement that a licensee must conduct business at a gun show only in the state that is specified on the licensee's license.

Nothing in this Act shall prohibit the sale of a firearm or ammunition between licensed firearms dealers at any location in any state.

Proponent's Comments (NRA-ILA, Oct. 14, 2011): This bill would remove several antiquated and unnecessary restrictions imposed on interstate firearms business since 1968:

Virtually all interstate transfers directly between private citizens are banned; so are nearly all interstate handgun sales by licensed dealers.

Firearms dealers may only do business at their licensed premises or (since 1986) at gun shows in their own state.

Dealers may not even transfer firearms to one another face to face, away from their business premises.

Allow veterans to register unlicensed guns acquired abroad.

Harris co-sponsored Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act

Provides a 90-day amnesty period during which veterans and their family members can register in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record any firearm acquired before October 31, 1968, by a veteran while a member of the Armed Forces stationed outside the continental United States.

Grants such an individual limited immunity with respect to the acquisition, possession, transportation, or alteration of such firearm before or concurrent with such registration.

Extends such immunity to a veteran who attempts to register a qualifying firearm outside of the amnesty period if the veteran surrenders the firearm within 30 days after being notified of potential criminal liability for continued possession.

Transfers each firearm qualifying as a curio or relic which has been forfeited to the United States to the first qualified museum that requests it

Publishes information identifying each such firearm which is available to be transferred to a museum.

Makes a prohibition against transfer or possession of a machine-gun inapplicable to museums.

Recognize heritage of hunting & shooting on federal lands.

A BILL: To recognize the heritage of recreational fishing, hunting, and shooting on Federal public lands and ensure continued opportunities for these activities.

Congress finds that:

recreational fishing and hunting are important and traditional activities in which millions of Americans participate

recreational anglers and hunters have been and continue to be among the foremost supporters of sound fish and wildlife management and conservation in the US

recreational fishing and hunting are environmentally acceptable and beneficial activities that occur and can be provided on Federal public lands and waters without adverse effects

recreational anglers, hunters, and sporting organizations provide direct assistance to fish and wildlife managers and enforcement officers by investing volunteer time and effort to fish and wildlife conservation

recreational anglers & hunters, and the associated industries have generated billions of dollars of critical funding by
providing revenues from purchases of fishing and hunting licenses, permits, and stamps, as well as excise taxes on fishing, hunting, and shooting equipment

recreational shooting is also an important and traditional activity in which millions of Americans participate, safe recreational shooting is a valid use of Federal public lands, and participation in recreational shooting helps recruit and retain hunters and contributes to wildlife conservation

THEREFORE:

the public interest would be served, and our citizens' fish and wildlife resources benefitted, by action to ensure that opportunities are facilitated to engage in fishing and hunting on Federal public land

Subject to valid existing rights, Federal public land management officials shall exercise their authority under existing law, including provisions regarding land use planning, to facilitate use of and access to Federal public lands and waters for fishing & sport hunting.